Paths Through the Year: A Year-long Exploration into Place, Creativity, and Self

by Corinne Cunningham

Paths Through the Year takes the reader on a year-long exploration into place, creativity, and self. It is a story of how the natural world and its rhythms inspire and impact a creative life, told through a seasonal lens of introspection encompassing daily life on a multi-generational homestead in the woods of Maine. In documenting four seasons of joys, challenges, and sorrows, Paths encourages others to examine their own lives and to see the value of a thoughtful, seasonal, quiet life.

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

About the author

Corinne Cunningham is a writer, mother, avid reader, knitter, and tea enthusiast. She lives with her family in the woods of Maine. FARM GIRL is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was torn between not wanting to put it down but at the same time, not wanting it to end. I feel inspired to pick up my pen and write more, to notice the little details around me and to treasure time spent with family and loved ones. There were so many moments in the book that I wanted to highlight to remember and that's what I'm planning to do when I re-read it - it's very rare to get to the end of a book and want to begin again immediately but I know this book will be picked up and enjoyed again and again!

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Paths Through the Year that will not be me just gushing about it? This book is like a blanket, a warm cup of tea, a cozy nook by the fire. Corinne literally takes you on a path and guides you through.


There were many moments in the book where I said to myself “same,” just knowing exactly what she was talking about. There were moments in this book that made me tear up and think to myself “it’s OK to want a simple life.” In one paragraph Corinne describes an outing with her daughter Paige and I just felt so connected to her in that moment.


When I read the last page, I put the book on my lap and just took a deep breath. I had tears in my eyes because I felt like it’s OK for me to be me. It’s the feelings this book brought out of me that was so powerful. I only highlighted two things only because I wanted to stay present while reading. I plan on re-reading the book at some time and marking/highlighting more paragraphs or sentences.


This book touches on womanhood, parenting, family, homestead living, being present, being vulnerable. It’s a wonderful book.

[Gina Santangelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, cozy slice of life book about what it means to honor the land you live on, your creativity, and your sense of self. Corrine writes so beautifully as she reflects on this year in her life as a mother, wife, daughter and friend all while acclimating to life on a homestead, homeschooling and pursuing creative endeavors. I feel so inspired after reading this book to not only slow down and remember to find the magic in the everyday but to somehow notice and remember it all as well.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much! A better articulated review coming soon!

Full Review:

This was a beautiful blend of memoir, musings on motherhood, nature journal, and creative writing diary. Sometimes a book that encompasses all of those might feel messy or too busy, but that’s not the case here. Corinne’s thoughts and daily rhythms flow through each season in a gentle, natural way that made me long for spring blossoms, summer sunshine, and then autumn’s colorful leaves.

Full disclosure, Corinne is my friend and I was a patreon supporting the project that lead to this book. Obviously, our friendship enhanced my reading experience, however, I still highly recommend this to everyone!

I preordered this last summer, but knew I wanted to wait to read it until this January, to begin in the same season as the opening pages. And it was the best decision! I considered making this a year-long read, starting each month alongside Corinne’s, but once I started I couldn’t put it down.

If you’re looking for a memoir to read, especially beyond the celebrity-tell-all type, I cannot recommend this highly enough!